Despite reservations about the meeting being in danger, Racing Victoria stewards are confident that the wild weather will clear and that the Melbourne Cup will be run on time.

Chief steward Robert Cram says alterations have been made but that the rain and racing program will continue to be monitored throughout the day.

“We’ve been in contact with the Bureau (of Meteorology) and they’ve informed us that the rain will continue over the next hour but will clear,” he said.

The mounting yard takes the full brunt of the shocking weather.Source:Getty Images

Racegoers negogiate the puddles on the lawn as rain tumbles down.Source:Getty Images

“And we’ll have clear space after that. Given that information and looking at the radar, we’ve determined to delay the second race and the third race, to give us room for assessment for the further program on the day.

“Our aim is to run the Cup at 3pm if possible.”

A small section of roofing has collapsed in the Flemington press room after water made its way in, and there has also been areas of flooding around the track, including in the horse tunnel.

“We have all hands on deck, people attending to it and we’re hopeful it won’t present any further problems,” Cram told racing.com.

Punters make their way past the statue of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, a well known mudlark. icture: Jason EdwardsSource:News Corp Australia